I am recognized as a refugee in another country, I have just arrived in Senegal. Is my status still valid?
If you have just arrived in Senegal, you will have to file a new application for refugee status with the National Commission of Eligibility (CNE). The possession of a refugee card issued by another country does not automatically entitle Senegal to asylum.
Since I arrived in Senegal, I have not received assistance from UNHCR. How can I get support?
All asylum-seekers and refugees wishing to receive support or assistance are requested to contact UNHCR’s partner in Senegal, Green Village Foundation (GVF) at:
Address: Bureau d’Orientation Social (BOS) sis Villa 7B
BP 16917 Dakar, Point E (in front of the Olympic swimming pool)
Tel: 📞 33 825 63 66.
Hours: Monday to Thursday from 8h to 17h; Fridays from 8h to 14h.
For more information, visit this Help site’s Assistance section
I have just arrived in Senegal and I am an asylum seeker, will I be able to have accommodation while my file is processed?
There is no temporary housing system in Senegal to accommodate new arrivals or recognized refugees. Anyone seeking asylum in Senegal is responsible for finding accommodation.
However, a request for housing assistance may be submitted to UNHCR’s partner, GVF. For more information, please visit this Help site’s Assistance section.
I have been recognized as a refugee in Senegal for several years, but I find that the living conditions are difficult. I can't find work, I want to be resettled in a third country.
We advise you to make an appointment with the GVF partner for a protection hearing. For more information, please visit this Help site’s Contact Us section.
What is Resettlement to a third country?
Resettlement as a durable solution is a limited option available only to refugees who meet certain very specific criteria.
- “Resettlement in a third country” means that a refugee leaves his country of asylum and settles legally in another country.
- A refugee is not entitled to resettlement, but it is offered on a voluntary basis by the resettlement countries.
- Reinstallation is not automatic. Recognition of refugee status does not necessarily mean that a refugee has an acceptable case for resettlement in a third country.
- There are specific criteria defined by resettlement countries and UNHCR for a refugee to be considered for resettlement.
- The country willing to accept the refugee concerned for resettlement is not necessarily the country of choice for the refugee.
- Resettlement places are extremely limited and the number of refugees to be resettled in a given year is determined by the resettlement countries themselves and not by UNHCR.
I have family members abroad, can UNHCR help me reach them?
I advise you to make an appointment with the GVF partner for a protection hearing. For more information, contact us.
Can UNHCR assist me with my asylum procedure?
Unfortunately, due to limited resources and the nature of our role in Senegal, UNHCR can only provide limited support in such cases. I advise you to make an appointment with the GVF partner for a protection hearing.
For more information, please visit the How to contact us section on this website.
How much do I have to pay to access UNHCR or its partners' services?
The services of UNHCR and its partners are free and will remain free of charge. Please notify us of any request for payment in kind or in cash from a UNHCR officer or one of its partners.
For more information, please visit this website’s How to contact us section.
How long does it take to process an asylum application in the Senegal?
In principle, the processing of an asylum application in Senegal lasts between 6 months and one year.